Neutropenia after Carprofen (Rimadyl) in dogs

The FDA has received 242 reports of neutropenia in dogs after Carprofen. That is 0.5% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.2% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

242Reports
41%Marked serious
7.0%Recovered
29%Died or euthanised
10 daysTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
16 13%
1–2 days
27 22%
3–7 days
17 14%
1–4 weeks
26 21%
Over a month
37 30%

How the animals did

Recovered
17 7.0%
Still unwell when reported
68 28%
Died
37 15%
Euthanised
32 13%
Not known
88 36%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
13
1–3 years
33
4–7 years
72
8–11 years
72
12+ years
47

About this medicine

Carprofen relieves pain and inflammation from arthritis or after surgery.

Products with this ingredient include Rimadyl, Novox, Vetprofen. The FDA hides brand names in its public data, so these reports cover every product with the same active ingredients.

NSAIDs can affect the stomach, liver and kidneys. Vets usually recommend blood tests before and during long-term use.

Questions owners ask

Can Carprofen cause neutropenia in dogs?
242 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 10 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Neutropenia with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Carprofen in dogs · Medicines most reported with neutropenia